Elaborate systems of removing and replacing the holds, covering walls with tarps, and competitor isolation ensure a level playing field. The secrecy exists so that no unfair advantages are gained by competitors learning how their rivals attempted the routes before them 鈥� discovering which way up the wall yielded success, and which resulted in failure.
It鈥檚 serious, but then, as the competitors walk into the climbing area, the main theme song from Star Wars blares through the gym. Serious, but also fun. The words of Yoda inspire greatness among the athletes. 鈥淒o or do not... there is no try.鈥澨�
The theme of the competition on Saturday was Gravity Wars; intrepid competitors look to unlock the correct sequence of movements and hold on long enough to reach the tops of the climbs.听
This is the first difficult (lead) climbing competition of the season, run by Sport Climbing British Columbia (SCBC) and hosted at Squamish鈥檚 Ground Up Climbing Centre.听
The vibe in the gym is for the most part buoyant and light, but when competitors tie in to begin their routes, their faces display only focus.
Ninety-six competitors rocked up for the climbing competition at Squamish鈥檚 Ground Up Climbing Centre. One of them was Brielle Zacharias.听She has been competing in these types of events for four years. Presently, she鈥檚 on the Climb Base5 competition team out of Coquitlam.听
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鈥淚 didn鈥檛 do as well as I could have,鈥� says Brielle after her attempt on the finals route. But, she鈥檚 still wearing a smile. She explains that the mental aspect is a highly important part of competition climbing. It鈥檚 not just having strong fingers that counts.
鈥淏etween two competitors who are equally skilled climbers, the one who has a better mental game will definitely win,鈥� says Brielle. 鈥淵ou have to be strong mentally and physically.鈥�
Competition routes are set so that they become increasingly difficult as competitors move up the wall. Each competitor gets one attempt at the finals route and winners are determined by who can reach the highest point.听
The competition is broken down into different age and difficulty categories. So while most of the competitors are youth, there is also a place for masters, too.听
Despite the range of ages and abilities, the competition community is pretty tight. Teams spends time in their own gym, training together, and many travel across the province to attend the lead climbing and bouldering competitions hosted by the SCBC.听
This year top-ranked provincial competitors will have a chance to attend nationals, taking place in Montreal.听
Brielle plans on attending. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a lot of travel, but it鈥檚 worth it. The team is family, basically. If you don鈥檛 do a problem [or a climb], they鈥檙e always there to support you.鈥澨�
The supportive and friendly part of the competition climbing environment is one of the most uplifting things about it.
Shayne Murdoch has a long history with competition climbing in B.C. He competed for 20 years previously, but now he shows up to all of the events and takes photos. His son, Kyle, has also found enjoyment in competing. At Gravity Wars, Kyle placed third in the Open Male category.
鈥淣ot many communities see athletes competing against each other whilst also being part of such a supportive environment. Everyone knows each other, the competitors all talk about the climbs and share tips,鈥� says Murdoch, who seems genuinely happy to just be a part of the event. 鈥淚t鈥檚 very tight-knit community here in B.C.鈥�
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Gravity Wars is finished until next year. Competitors have gone back to their gyms to train for the next event. In a few more weeks they will be united for another round of friendly competition; this time in Richmond.听
